Ryanair Bag Policy Before November

Ever booked a Ryanair flight and felt a little panic about the bag rules? You’re not alone. Before November, the airline’s policy was a wild ride, like a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. Let’s take a chill look back at what made it so famously tricky—and why it’s actually kind of interesting.

The Free Carry-On That Wasn’t

Before November, Ryanair let you bring one small personal item for free—think a purse or a laptop bag. But here’s the kicker: that bag had to fit under the seat in front of you, with strict dimensions like 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. Sound tiny? It was. You could barely squeeze in a jacket and a snack.

Anything bigger—like a standard backpack or rolling suitcase—cost you extra at booking or a hefty fee at the gate. Ryanair called this “priority boarding” for a fee, but it really felt like a puzzle: How do I pack a week’s worth of clothes into a glorified purse?

The Hidden Genius (Yes, Genius)

Here’s why this old policy is cool: it forced you to think like a travel ninja. You’d roll your jeans into tiny burritos, wear your heaviest shoes, and stuff socks into your jacket pockets. It was a game of Tetris, and winning meant saving money.

Ryanair’s goal wasn’t to annoy you—it was to maximize profit by making every inch of cabin space count. Sure, it felt tight, but it also taught us that most people overpack anyway. How many shirts did you actually wear? Exactly.

The Two-Bag Chaos

Before November, you could also pay for a second, larger carry-on bag (like a 10kg suitcase). But here’s the fun part: if you didn’t check in online or print your boarding pass, they’d hit you with a €55 fee—more than the flight itself. Ouch.

This created a weird culture of gambling. Would you risk a bag that might cost more than your hotel? Or would you just wear everything at once? People walked through airports looking like human suitcases, and honestly, it was hilarious.

Ryanair Baggage Allowance | Checking in Luggage with Ryanair

Why It’s Not So Bad Now

After November, Ryanair actually simplified things (shocking, right?). They merged the “priority” and “non-priority” bags into one rule: you can bring one free small bag, and a larger wheelie bag costs extra. But the real change? No more penalty for forgetting to print your boarding pass if you booked a bag.

So the old policy wasn’t evil—it was just chaotic. It made travel a sport rather than a stroll. You had to be clever, fast, and a little bit daring. Isn’t that more fun?

The Takeaway

Looking back, Ryanair’s bag policy before November was like a quirky, strict uncle at a family party. It annoyed you, but you learned from it. You discovered that you can survive a weekend with just a jacket and a toothbrush. You also learned to read the fine print—or pay the price.

So next time you book a budget flight, embrace the challenge. Pack like a pro, laugh at the fees, and remember: the journey is part of the story. And that tiny bag? It’s a badge of honour.